Athletics News

VILLANOVA, Pa. -
The latest Academic Progress Rate (APR) data was released by the NCAA last week and Villanova student-athletes continue to rank among the nation's best and brightest in the classroom. Nine teams received public recognition from the NCAA for their academic success, while the Wildcats had all 24 teams at or above the national average for their sport. The most recent data covers the 2009-10 through 2012-13 academic years and the results show the across-the-board success in the classroom of Villanova student-athletes. As a group the student-athletes from the 24 varsity sports have maintained a composite grade-point average higher than a 3.0 for 22 consecutive semesters.

The nine teams that received public recognition each had a multiyear APR score that ranked within the top 10 percent of their respective sport. Among the nine teams honored, eight had a perfect multiyear score of 1000, including men's cross country, golf, men's lacrosse, men's tennis, rowing, women's tennis, volleyball and water polo. The men's soccer team (996) also received public recognition.

Seven of the nine teams to receive public recognition have achieved this distinction before. Most notably, the men's lacrosse team has ranked within the top 10 percent for seven consecutive years. The men's soccer, men's tennis teams were recognized for the fifth straight year.

"Our student-athletes continue to distinguish themselves with their commitment to the academic component of our mission," Villanova Director of Athletics Vince Nicastro said. "I can't say enough about our student-athletes who work so diligently in the classroom and are fully committed to their intellectual development. Our coaches, faculty and support staff should also be applauded for teaching and mentoring these young men and women so well."

In the high-profile sports of men's and women's basketball the Wildcats continue to fare exceptionally well. The men's and women's basketball teams each rank in the top 20 percent within their sports nationwide. The men's basketball team ranks second among BIG EAST programs and the women's basketball team ranks fourth among league schools.

Now in its ninth year the Academic Progress Rate is an academic measurement for sports teams developed by the NCAA as part of a larger academic reform package. The APR provides a real-time measure of academic performance and student-athletes earn points each semester based on academic standing and retention. A mark of 1000 represents a perfect score for a team.

Villanova Teams Receiving Public Recognition for Ranking in the Top 10 Percent of Their Sport